Patent Application
20250162773
The present invention relates to an insulating, miniature beverage container with a threaded, removable lid to which one end of a keychain is connected and the other end of the keychain is connectable to another object.
Beverage containers, such as stainless steel tumblers, are increasingly popular among consumers. For example, some consumers enjoy using beverage containers as a way to reduce use of disposable cups. Some consumers enjoy using beverage containers, e.g., double-walled stainless steel tumblers to keep their hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold. Known beverage containers come in common sizes such as 12 oz., 16 oz., 20 oz., 24 oz., 30 oz. and 32 oz. sizes, among others.
Some beverage containers come with additional features that improve their utility. For example, some beverage containers come with lids that help protect against spills. Typically, the lid is a press-on, friction-fit lid. This works well when beverage containers are held upright. But when the container is filled with liquid and the container is partially or totally inverted, the lid can come loose and the liquid may spill.
Various aspects of the present invention relate to a miniature beverage container (e.g., mini tumbler) with a screw on lid and a key chain that is attached to a portion of the container to enable attachment of the container to another object. The removable lid can have a threaded portion (e.g., screw top) that engages with a corresponding threaded portion in an open end of the miniature beverage container. One end of a keychain can be connected to the removable lid. The other end may be connectable to another object. The miniature tumbler can include a beverage holding chamber for holding a small amount (e.g., 1.5 oz, 3 oz, 4.5 oz) of liquid. The tumbler can be a double-walled stainless steel tumbler to provide insulative properties. Heretofore, double-walled stainless steel tumbler in these sizes typically have not been made. Additionally, such tumblers typically are not connected to a key chain due to their weight and/or other reasons. Moreover, adding a key chain to typical double-walled tumblers would not be feasible because the friction fit lid could come loos of the tumbler is inverted as may happen when connect by a keychain to another object.
In one aspect of the present invention, the removable lid can be engaged (e.g., attached) with and disengaged (e.g., removed) from an open end of the miniature beverage container to allow liquid to be poured into the beverage holding chamber of the miniature beverage container. In some instances, the removable lid can include a threaded portion that engages with a corresponding threaded portion in the open end of the miniature beverage container. The removable lid can be engaged with the open end of the miniature beverage container by turning (e.g., screwing) the removable lid onto the open end of the miniature beverage container. The removable lid can be disengaged from the open end of the miniature beverage container by turning the removable lid in an opposite direction. The threaded portion of the removable lid can advantageously prevent the removable lid from inadvertently disengaging from the open end of the miniature beverage container. This is particularly advantageous where the container is connected by the keychain to another object and is subject to swinging back and forth and inversion.
In one aspect of the present invention, the removable lid can be connected to a keychain. The removable lid can include a protrusion (e.g., lip, projection, extension) with an opening (e.g., hole, gap) within the protrusion where the keychain can connect to the removable lid. Having the keychain connect to the removable lid can be advantageous in that a user may remove the miniature beverage container from the removable lid to pour liquid into the miniature beverage container or consume liquid from the miniature beverage container while the keychain is attached to something. Other configurations of the removable lid are possible, and other locations on the miniature beverage container where the keychain can connect are possible. The principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration for the removable lid or a particular location where the keychain connects.
In one aspect of the present invention, the keychain includes a first connecting mechanism (e.g., clasp, ring, clip, latch) that connects the keychain to the miniature beverage container. For example, the keychain can include a clasp that connects to the opening in the removable lid of the miniature beverage container. The keychain includes a second connecting mechanism that connects the keychain to another item, such as a set of keys, a backpack, and the like. The first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism are linked via a set of connected links. Other configurations of the keychain are possible, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration for the keychain.
In one aspect of the present invention, the removable lid can include an opening (e.g., hole) through which liquid in the miniature beverage container can be consumed. The opening can be closed with a sealing mechanism (e.g., latch, slider, closure, lid). For example, the opening can be closed by closing a slider over the opening. The slider can be moved off the opening to open the opening and allow the user to consume liquid from the miniature beverage container. In some instances, the opening can facilitate a removable straw. In some instances, the miniature beverage container can include a removable straw that passes through an opening in the removable lid and facilitates consumption of the liquid in the miniature beverage container. The opening can include a sealing material (e.g., rubber, flexible plastic) that allows the removable straw to be inserted into the opening while filling any space between the walls of the removable straw and the edges of the opening and preventing liquid from escaping the miniature beverage container through the space. Other configurations of the opening on the removable lid are possible, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration for the opening.
In one aspect of the present invention, the miniature beverage container includes a removable straw. The removable straw can be defined by a cylindrical tube. The removable straw can include one or more protrusions (e.g., lumps, bumps) near one end of the removable straw. The one or more protrusions can keep the removable straw from inadvertently becoming dislodged. For example, the removable straw can be inserted into the miniature beverage container through an opening in the removable lid of the miniature beverage container. The removable straw can be inserted such that the end with the one or more protrusions is within the beverage holding chamber of the miniature beverage container. The one or more protrusions on the removable can keep the removable straw from inadvertently falling out of the miniature beverage container by sliding through the opening. Other configurations for the removable straw are possible, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration.
In one aspect of the present invention, the miniature beverage container includes a beverage holding chamber. The beverage holding chamber can store various liquids for consumption by a user. Advantageously, the beverage holding chamber adds functionality to the miniature beverage container in addition to its decorative features. In some instances, the beverage holding chamber can be a double-walled beverage holding chamber. The double-walled feature of the beverage holding chamber can be advantageous for preventing condensation from forming on the outer surface of the beverage container, which may cause something attached to the miniature beverage container to get wet. The double-walled feature can also be advantageous for maintaining temperature of the liquid in the beverage holding chamber. Other configurations for the beverage holding chamber are possible, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration.
In one aspect of the present invention, the miniature beverage container has one or a combination of various shapes. For example, the miniature beverage container can have a cylindrical shape, which can be advantageous for applying (e.g., through sublimation) a decoration on the miniature beverage container. Other shapes (e.g., round, spherical, tapered, conical, barrel, rectangular) and combinations of shapes can also be advantageous, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular shape or a particular combination of shapes.
In one aspect of the present invention, the miniature beverage container has decorative and functional uses. For example, a user can attach the miniature beverage container to an item, such as a set of keys, a backpack, a purse, a belt loop, and the like by connecting the item to a keyring of a keychain connected to the miniature beverage container. The keychain in this example can be connected to a removable lid of the miniature beverage container. The user can access liquid in the miniature beverage container by twisting off the removable lid. The user can close the miniature beverage container by twisting on the removable lid. As another example, the user can access liquid in a miniature beverage container through an opening in a removable lid of the miniature beverage container. In this example, the user can remove the beverage container from an attached item by disconnecting a keychain connected to the miniature beverage container and the item. The user can disconnect the keychain by disconnecting a first connecting mechanism connecting the keychain to the removable lid or by disconnecting a second connecting mechanism connecting the keychain to the item. The user can consume liquid from the miniature beverage container through the opening in the removable lid. For example, the user can slide open a slider that sealed the opening or the user can insert a removable straw into the opening. After consuming the liquid from the miniature beverage container, the user can reattach the miniature beverage container to the item by connecting the first connecting mechanism or the second connecting mechanism based on whichever connecting mechanism was disconnected to disconnect the miniature beverage container from the item. Other methods of use are possible, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular method of use.
It should be appreciated that many other features, applications, aspects, and/or variations of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description. Additional and/or alternative implementations of the structures and methods described herein can be employed without departing from the principles of the present invention.
The figures depict various embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only, wherein the figures use like reference numerals to identify like elements. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as one skilled in the art would recognize, even if not expressly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated in the figures can be employed without departing from the principles of the present invention described herein.
As background, beverage containers, such as tumblers, are growingly increasingly popular among consumers. For example, some consumers enjoy using beverage containers as a way to reduce use of disposable cups. Some consumers enjoy using beverage containers to keep their hot beverages hot. Some beverage containers come with additional features that improve their utility. For example, some beverage containers come with lids that help protect against spills. In general, beverage containers come in common sizes such as 16 oz, 24 oz, and 32 oz sizes.
Under conventional approaches, beverage containers are designed to maximize size so as to be able to carry more liquid. Because beverage containers are designed to maximize size, beverage containers come in sizes such as 16 oz, 24 oz, and 32 oz to maximize the volume of liquid that can be carried in the beverage containers without the beverage containers becoming unwieldy. However, these beverage containers are still relatively large. People generally carry these beverage containers in their hands or in beverage container holders, such as beverage container holding sleeves on some backpacks. This can be inconvenient for people, especially if there is no desire to carry a large volume of liquid. Thus, conventional approaches are deficient with regard to beverage containers for smaller volumes of liquid.
The present invention provides for an improved approach that addresses the deficiencies arising from conventional approaches. The present invention provides for a miniature beverage container with a keychain attached to the miniature beverage container to connect the miniature beverage container to an item. The miniature beverage container can include a beverage holding chamber for storing liquid. The miniature beverage container can include a removable lid that can be engaged and disengaged from an open end of the miniature beverage container. Engaging the removable lid with the open end of the miniature beverage container can close the miniature beverage container, storing liquid within the beverage holding chamber of the miniature beverage container. Disengaging the removable lid with the open end of the miniature beverage container can open the miniature beverage container, allowing access to the beverage holding chamber of the miniature beverage container. In some instances, the keychain can be connected to the removable lid via a first connecting mechanism, such as a clasp, ring, clip, or latch. The keychain can be connected to a protrusion with an opening on the removable lid. The keychain can include a second connecting mechanism to connect to an item, such as a set of keys, a belt loop, and the like. In some instances, The removable lid can include an opening to allow users to consume liquid from the miniature beverage container without removing the removable lid. The removable lid can include a sealing mechanism, such as a latch, slider, closure, and the like, that can be closed to prevent liquid from spilling from the miniature beverage container and opened to allow liquid to be consumed from the miniature beverage container, even if inverted. In some instances, a removable straw can be inserted into the opening of the removable lid.
These and other features of the present invention, as further described below, advantageously provide people with a convenient beverage holding container that can store liquid and easily carried. The miniature beverage container is also useful as a decorative accessory while providing functional benefits.
For example, the present invention can provide for a miniature beverage container with a keychain that a user can use to connect the keychain to a set of keys. In this example, the keychain can have a first connecting mechanism that connects the keychain to a removable lid of the miniature beverage container and a second connecting mechanism that connects the keychain to the set of keys. The user can store the miniature beverage container, and the set of keys, in a pocket, a bag, a backpack, and the like. In this example, the user can have liquid stored in the miniature beverage container. To consume the liquid, the user can disengage the removable lid from the miniature beverage container to open the miniature beverage container. Liquid can be consumed from the open end of the miniature beverage container. When the user is finished consuming the liquid, the user can engage the removable lid with the miniature beverage container to close the miniature beverage container. The miniature beverage container can be stored (e.g., in the pocket, the bag, the backpack, and the like) to be used later. As illustrated in this example, the user has convenient access to the miniature beverage container and does not need to carry the miniature beverage container with the user's hands. Additionally, the miniature beverage container serves as a decorative accessory for holding the user's keys while providing a functional benefit of storing liquid for consumption by the user. Further details regarding the present invention are provided below.
It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for opening and closing the miniature beverage container 102. For example, the present invention provides for a removable lid that engages with an open end of the miniature beverage container 102 via a friction fit, a snap on mechanism, a latch, a clip, or other engagement mechanism. Many variations are possible. In some instances, the removable lid can be engaged with or disengaged from the open end of the miniature beverage container via other mechanisms (e.g., friction fit, latch). Other configurations of the removable lid are possible, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration.
As illustrated in
It should be understood the present invention is not limited to the double-walled feature for the beverage holding chamber 104. For example, the present invention provides for a beverage holding chamber 104 that is single-walled. Many variations are possible.
It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for the keychain 114. The keychain 114 can comprise a set of links of various materials (e.g., metal, plastic). The keychain 114 can comprise a band of various materials (e.g., metal, plastic, fabric). In some instances, the first connecting mechanism 118 can be a ring, clip, latch, or other connecting mechanism. The second connecting mechanism 120 can be a clasp, clip, latch, or other connecting mechanism. For example, the keychain 114 can comprise a fabric band with clasps as the first connecting mechanism 118 and the second connecting mechanism 120. Many variations are possible.
It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for engaging with a keychain. The protrusion 116 can include a ring, a clip, a clasp, a latch, or other connecting mechanism compatible with the first connecting mechanism 118 of the keychain 114. For example, the protrusion 116 can include a clip that corresponds with a corresponding clip that defines the first connecting mechanism 118. In this example, the keychain 114 can be connected to the removable lid 112 by engaging the clip of the protrusion 116 with the corresponding clip that defines the first connecting mechanism 118. The keychain 114 can be disconnected from the removable lid 112 by disengaging the clip of the protrusion 116 with the corresponding clip that defines the first connecting mechanism 118. Many variations are possible.
In this example, the removable lid 112 includes a first opening 152 through which a user can consume liquid from the beverage holding chamber 104. The removable lid 112 includes a second opening 156 through which air can pass and allow the liquid to flow through the first opening 152. The first opening 152 and the second opening 156 allows a user to consume liquid from the miniature beverage container 102 without removing the removable lid 112.
It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for the removable lid 112. In some instances, the removable lid 112 can include a sealing mechanism (e.g., latch, slider, closure, lid). For example, the removable lid 112 can include a slider that opens and closes the first opening 152 and the second opening 156. The slider can be closed the first opening 152 and the second opening 156. This prevents liquid from leaking through the removable lid 112. The slider can be opened to allow air to pass through the first opening 152 and the second opening 156. This allows a user to drink from the miniature beverage container 102. In some instances, the miniature beverage container 102 can include a removable straw that is inserted through the first opening 152. The first opening 152 can include a sealing material (e.g., rubber, flexible plastic) that allows the removable straw to be inserted into the opening while preventing liquid from escaping the miniature beverage container 102 through the first opening 152. Many variations are possible.
As illustrated in
It should be understood the present invention is not limited to the indentation feature for the miniature beverage container 102. For example, the present invention provides for a miniature beverage container 102 that has a soft material (e.g., rubber, soft plastic) on the closed end to allow the miniature beverage container 102 to be stable when rested upon a flat surface. Many variations are possible.
As illustrated in
It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular shape for the miniature beverage container 102 or the indentation 160. In some instances, the miniature beverage container 102 can be have a round, spherical, tapered, conical, barrel, rectangular, cylindrical, or other shape. In some instances, the miniature beverage container 102 can have a combination of shapes. For example, the miniature beverage container 102 can have a combination of a cylindrical top and a tapered bottom. The indentation 160 can have a shape that matches the shape of the miniature beverage container 102. For example, the miniature beverage container 102 can have a rectangular shape, and the indentation 160 can have a matching rectangular shape. Many variations are possible.
It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for the removable straw 302. The removable straw 302 can be defined by a tube of various shapes (e.g., cylindrical). The removable straw 302 can be of a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic). The removable straw 302 can have a variety of features (e.g., bending feature, drinking valve). Many variations are possible.
In one aspect of the present invention, the miniature beverage container has a cylindrical shape and made of a material conducive to application of a decoration through sublimation. In this example, the cylindrical shape is advantageous for facilitating the sublimation process as it allows the decoration to be applied smoothly around the miniature beverage container. Additionally, the keychain can be attached to a removable lid of the miniature beverage container. This advantageously avoids protrusions or cavities on the miniature beverage container and further allows the sublimation to be performed smoothly on the miniature beverage container.
In one aspect of the present invention, the beverage container is made of one or a combination of various materials. For example, the beverage container can be made of stainless steel. Stainless steel can be an advantageous because stainless steel is durable and typically does not react to beverages, unlike other metals. Other materials (e.g., plastic, silicon, glass, acrylic, aluminum) and combinations of materials can also be advantageous, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular material or a particular combination of materials.
In one aspect of the present invention, the beverage container has one or more structural features. For example, the beverage container can be double-walled. The double-walled feature of the beverage container can be advantageous for preventing condensation from forming on the outer surface of the beverage container, which may damage an ornamental decoration on the beverage container, and for insulating beverages in the beverage container. The double-walled feature of the beverage container can encompass the sides and the bottom of the first portion (e.g., beverage holding chamber) of the beverage container. Other structural features (e.g., single-walled feature) and combinations of features can also be advantageous, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular feature or a particular combination of features.
The miniature tumbler can include a beverage holding chamber for holding a small amount (e.g., 1.5 oz, 3 oz, 4.5 oz, 5 oz, 6.5 oz, 7 oz) of liquid.
The language used herein has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the various embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, the description of resources, operations, or structures in the singular shall not be read to exclude the plural. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known,” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “other embodiments,” “another embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” or the like means that a particular feature, design, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearances of, for example, the phrases “according to an embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” or “in another embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, whether or not there is express reference to an “embodiment” or the like, various features are described, which may be variously combined and included in some embodiments but also variously omitted in other embodiments. Similarly, various features are described which may be preferences or requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that the various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The foregoing specification provides a description with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. It will be evident that various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.
